Visit the Giving Back Tree at Eagle Public Library

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This holiday season, the Eagle Public Library is offering a unique opportunity to give back. On Dec. 6, the library will receive a live fir tree, donated by Hospice of the Valley. It will be admired by many people throughout the month while it is housed in the library's public meeting room.

Library staff member Dale Green came up with the idea of a "Giving Back Tree" at the library. Handmade ornaments will adorn this special tree, and the public will be invited to participate in a unique exchange that will assist those in need.

Many creative hands and minds have been hard at work creating holiday ornaments. Some pieces were crafted by library staff members. Little helpers have also been creating ornaments. Story time children decorated mittens to hang on the tree. On Dec. 6, the elementary aged children gathered for a special session of "Art in the Afternoon" will be given an assortment of art supplies to create their own unique pieces. Young adults in grades 6 and up have already offered their creative talents at library programs, including the Reading Buddies.

The only catch is that children don't initially take home their ornaments. The public (or parent) may come in and "purchase" a selected ornament from the tree by donating three or more canned food items. The library will ensure that collected non-perishable goods will go to the food bank of the Vail Salvation Army. Suggested non-perishable donations include beans, rice, pasta and cereal. One non-food item that is also on the Salvation Army's wish list is diapers.

For more information on the Giving Back Tree, call the Eagle Public Library at 970-328-8800. Or drop by the library, chat with one of the staff, and check out the tree.